Heather stood frozen at the doorway, her pulse hammering in her ears as Richard's tall, looming figure blocked the exit. Fear coursed through her veins like ice, making her fingers twitch by her side. She had one fleeting thought—to slam the door shut and run, as fast and far as her legs would carry her. But another part of her, the more rational part, knew it wouldn't matter. She wouldn't get far. Richard would catch her without even breaking a sweat.
She clenched her jaw and gripped the doorframe, her breath shallow and uneven, as he took a step closer. He didn't look hostile, but that didn't make him any less dangerous.
"I know who you are," Richard said quietly, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine. His eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned her face, the recognition in his gaze unmistakable. "You're Jennifer's sister. Heather."
Her breath caught in her throat at his words. The look in his eyes told her everything—he had known all along.
